Apparatus for displaying retail items

ABSTRACT

Traditionally, RMUs have posed a significant problem for retailers in that they can be cumbersome. A modified RMU is, therefore, provided. This modified RMU utilizes a number of interconnected display units that allow for various configurations so that the RMU can be arranged for a variety of situations. For example, the modified RMU can be arranged to have a flat back side that allows it to be placed against a wall so as to reduce congestion of moving patrons and further prevent wasteful usage of valuable retail floor space. Hence, the modified RMU provides a solution for a long felt need for improved logistics by retailers.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to retail displays and, more particularly, to kiosk designs or Retail Merchandising Units (RMUs).

BACKGROUND

With increasing competitiveness in the marketplace, retailers are looking for ways to increase market share and growth. Retail facilities in recent years have begun utilizing display devices, sometimes called kiosks or RMUs, in a variety of areas. The RMUs have been employed as both stand-alone shops and as mobile displays for use within stores.

Some significant problems have developed as a result of employing such RMUs and other display devices. Typically, RMUs, kiosks and other display devices are large enough to occupy a substantial amount of area, requiring retailers to place the RMUs in throughways or occupy valuable floor space that could otherwise be used for stocking or displaying of merchandise.

Because these RMUs are large three-dimensional displays, a large amount of floor space can be used and/or congestion of customer traffic through the retail area can result. Thus, for differing conditions, it is imperative that a retailer have the ability to provide a display or RMU that best utilizes the available floor space. Therefore, there has been a long felt need to have an RMU that is dynamic so as to better utilize valuable retail floor space and/or reduce traffic flow problems for varying conditions.

SUMMARY

The present invention, accordingly, provides a new and useful apparatus, employed at least in part, to display retail items. The apparatus, or RMU, has a central display unit, one or more substantially vertical columns that protrude above the central display unit, and a canopy secured to and supported by the columns. One or more additional modular components can be secured to the central display unit to provide additional display or business areas, enabling the RMUs to maximize use of available retail floor area.

Some of the additional modular components that can be added to the RMU include, but are not limited to display walls, hang grids, cash counters, shelving units, and auxiliary display units of various shapes, such as rectangles, circles, semi-circles, arcs, polygons, etc. The modular components can have multiple levels of varying heights, and shelves, counters, posts, or other elements can be added to or incorporated into various modular components. The number, shape and location of modular components used in a particular arrangement can vary, depending on the retail floor area in which the RMU is being used, and the products being displayed in the RMU. Additionally, because of the modularity of the system, the specific components used can be changed if the RMU is used in a different floor area or with different products.

Additionally, in one arrangement of the present invention, the central display unit contains modular “building blocks” that can be added to or removed from the central display unit.

Additionally, in one arrangement of the present invention, the RMU is designed so that it can be placed flush against a wall or railing, further reducing traffic flow problems and minimizing the amount of retail floor space that is used by the RMU. Because the RMU is configured so that only the front and, optionally, side portions provide display space accessible by customers, the unit can be placed up against a flat surface, thus improving traffic flow while still providing ample display space on the RMU.

The foregoing outlines rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a left front isometric view of a preferred embodiment showing one arrangement of an RMU of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a right front isometric view of the RMU of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a plan view of the RMU of FIG. 1A with the canopy removed;

FIG. 1D is another plan view of the RMU of FIG. 1A, with the canopy;

FIG. 1E is a front elevation view of the RMU of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1F is a rear elevation view of the RMU of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1G is a side elevation view of the RMU of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1H is another side elevation view of the RMU of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of another arrangement of the present invention similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, but having different column and canopy elements;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention employing one column arrangement and having various modular components attached thereto;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention, further incorporating a signpost into a semi-circular modular component;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention having a curved display unit and a curved cash counter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the discussion of the FIGURES the same reference numerals will be used throughout to refer to the same or similar components.

Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are, for the sake of clarity, not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views.

Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1H of the drawings, the reference numeral 100 generally designates a modified RMU embodying features of an arrangement of the present invention. Typically, RMU 100 is employed to allow patrons to see retail items while shopping in a large retail store, or traveling between stores in a shopping mall. If a large number of patrons stop at a typical RMU, or the RMU is very large and projects into pedestrian passageways excessively, congestion of customer traffic through the area will result. However, RMU 100 is specifically developed to allow for a large amount of display area while reducing congestion that may be caused as a result of placement of RMU 100. RMU 100 employs multiple multi-level surfaces to provide a high degree of display area.

The RMU 100 comprises a central display unit 110, support columns 130, a canopy 120, and several additional modular components, including a display wall 208 secured to the support columns 130, a cash counter 220 secured to one end of the central display unit 110, a shelving unit 210 secured to one side of the cash counter 220, an arcuate auxiliary display unit 240 secured to the cash counter 220, and a circular auxiliary display unit 250, sometimes referred to as a “puck” unit, secured to a portion of the front and one side of the central display unit 110.

The central display unit 110 is a focal point of the RMU, with other units attached thereto. In this embodiment of the present invention, the central display unit 110 is a generally rectangular unit allowing for ease of manufacture and ease of placement of the various modular components due to the use of flat surfaces. Other shapes, such as other curved surfaces, can also be employed, however.

The central display unit 110 employs a variety of features. Particularly, a countertop 112 can be located on the top surface of central display unit 110, and along the front of the central display unit 110, a number of storage and/or display areas can be provided. The various storage and/or display areas can employ locks for security. Additionally in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the countertop 112 and/or display areas can be made of transparent material so that the contents can be easily viewed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the central display unit 110 contains modular building blocks 118 that can be added to or removed from the central display unit 110. For example, the central display unit 110 shown in FIG. 1A contains two building blocks 118 a, 118 b that are storage drawers having handles. If the need arises for additional display area, building block 118 a can be replaced with a new building block (not shown) of the same dimensions that is a transparent display case. If additional storage area for various small items is needed, building block 118 b could also be replaced with a building block (not shown) of the same dimensions that contained multiple shallow drawers for more efficient storage of smaller items. This modularity provides the RMU 100 with greater versatility and flexibility to adapt to changing needs.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height of the countertop 112 can be set at an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) approved height of 34 inches.

To support the canopy 120, at least one support column 130 is used. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A through 1H, two support columns 130, which are secured to the central display unit 110, are used. These support columns 130 are generally rectangular in shape and protrude vertically above the top of the central display unit 110.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the columns 130 are solid or filled with a rigid material; however, in other embodiments of the present invention, the columns 130 can be hollow, or partially hollow. If the column 130 is hollow, or partially hollow, electrical wiring for lighting or as a power supply can also be secured in one or more of the columns 130 to hide the wiring from general view.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the columns 130 are made of a metal or partially metallic material. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the columns 130 can be comprised of a rigid plastic. Typically, a polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be utilized. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the columns 130 can have a load capacity greater than 700 pounds.

A canopy 120 can be suspended from the columns 130 above the RMU 100. As can best be seen in FIG. 1D, the canopy 120 in this arrangement of the present invention has a substantially rectangular perimeter with a grid 126 optionally mounted therein and having signage 150 optionally mounted thereto. Retail items can then be advantageously hung from the grid 126. In one arrangement, support pins 124 protrude through holes in the canopy 120 to provide vertical and/or horizontal supporting forces.

In some embodiments of the present invention, additional support for the canopy 120, other than that provided by the columns 130, may be desired. Additional support booms 132, as can best be seen in FIG. 1H, are typically provided for additional vertical and horizontal support for the canopy 120 and to better distribute the weight of the canopy 120 across a greater surface area of the columns 130.

Then, to increase the amount of display area of the RMU 100, various modular components can be coupled to or merely abutted against the central display unit 110. Specifically, a variety of different locking mechanisms can be employed to couple the different modular units to the central display unit 110. For example, tongue-and-groove or rabbit joints can be used for alignment and combined with a mechanical lock for maintaining the position of the modular units with respect to the central display unit 110.

In some other embodiments of the present invention, various floor level modules may be provided with wheels or casters, which may be locked, to allow for ease of movement of the kiosk or RMU 100. Additionally, locking castors (not shown) can be employed to preserve the position of the various modular units with respect to the central display unit 110.

A cash counter 220 is one of the modular components that can be coupled to the central display unit 110. A cash counter 220 is generally used for financial transactions, and generally is used to hold a cash register, credit card acceptance machines, and the like. The cash counter 220 is typically a rectangular unit having a vertical height substantially equal to the height of the central display unit 110. However, it can be appreciated that different shapes and heights of cash counters 220 can be used, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 through 7. A cash counter 220 is typically located at an end of the central display unit 110 and secured thereto opposite the puck wall unit 250. Cash counter 220 further comprises at least one countertop 222.

Additionally, cash counter 220 can employ features similar to the remainder of the RMU 100. Drawer 226 and doors 224, as can best be seen in FIG. 1H, can be utilized, wherein the doors 224 and drawers 226 open in a direction away from the central display unit 110. Doors 224 and/or drawers 226 are utilized to secure items including, but not limited to, retail items and transaction materials. These doors 224 and drawers 226 can further be equipped with locking mechanisms so as to allow only authorized personnel to gain entry. Open shelves or an open area (not shown) in which to store retail items, stools, or other items could also be incorporated into the cash counter 220.

The positioning of the cash counter 220 can also be an important aspect of RMU 100. Typically, the front of the cash counter 220 faces the central display unit 110, so that a cash register (not shown) can be placed on countertop 222. Placement of the cash counter 220 in this orientation allows a clerk or operator to maintain a visual connection with retail items displayed, even while a transaction is taking place. However, it can be appreciated that other placements of the cash counter 220 within the RMU 100 can be used to maximize space and efficiency.

To provide flexibility, multiple modular components can be joined together to form a single RMU 100. In the arrangement seen in FIGS. 1A through 1H, a puck-shaped display unit 250 is coupled to the central display unit 110. In this arrangement, the puck unit 250 is coupled to a front corner of the central display unit 110. Generally, as can best be seen in FIG. 1C, the puck unit 250 is a circular or arcuate display with at least one substantially flat horizontal upper surface. The puck unit 250 shown in FIGS. 1A-1H has multiple substantially flat horizontal surface areas 252 for displaying merchandise.

In the lower portion of puck unit 250 are a plurality of curved doors 254 and/or drawers 256 that wrap around the entire perimeter of the puck display unit 250. These doors 254 and/or drawers 256 can be provided with locking mechanisms so that only authorized personnel can gain access to the interior. Additionally, the horizontal surface areas 252, doors 254 and/or drawers 256 could be comprised of a transparent material so that merchandise can be viewed through the material.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1A-1H, multiple modular components are coupled to the RMU 100. An arcuate display unit 240 is secured to one side of the cash counter 220. The arcuate display unit 240 has one generally vertical side, which is secured adjacent to the side of the cash counter 220, with the arcuate side projecting outwards for greater display area. The arcuate display unit 240 has at least one substantially flat horizontal surface 242 for displaying merchandise. In the lower portion of arcuate display unit 240 can be a plurality of doors (not shown) and/or drawers (not shown). These doors (not shown) and/or drawers (not shown) can be provided with locking mechanisms so that only authorized personnel can gain access to the interior. Additionally, the horizontal surface areas 242, doors (not shown) and/or drawers (not shown) could be comprised of a transparent material so that merchandise can be viewed through the material. In one embodiment, the interior of the arcuate display unit 240 has an area that is not accessible from the front, but instead defines a space accessible by door 249 or an open area (not shown) facing in a direction away from auxiliary unit 240. This door 249 can be provided with a locking mechanism so that only authorized personnel can gain access through the door 249.

In addition, a shelving unit 210 is secured to one side of the cash counter 220 above the arcuate display unit 240.

To provide as much retail space as possible, a display wall 208 can be provided between columns 130. In one embodiment of the present invention, display shelving (not shown) can be attached to the display wall 208. Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, display items can be hung directly from the display wall 208. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, advertising material may be advantageously coupled to the display wall 208.

It should be understood that the arrangement of the RMU shown in FIGS. 1A through 1H is merely one arrangement of an RMU 100 of the present invention. By utilizing differing components of different shapes, sizes, colors and arrangements, many different RMUs 100 can be made. It should be further understood that because the components of RMUs 100 are modular, RMU 100 can be changed over time, as its location, the type of items sold or other needs or aspects change.

It should be noted that the arrangement of the RMU 100 shown in FIGS. 1A through 1H is configured so that the rear side of the RMU 100 is not intended to be accessible by patrons, and is generally flat. This was done so that the RMU 100 could be placed flush against a wall or railing to minimize space used, provide a more open atmosphere, and reduce traffic congestion sometimes seen with prior art RMUs that project into traffic flow patterns.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, as can be seen in FIG. 1F, a door 119 can be located on the back of the central display unit 110. Therefore, when the central display unit 110 is flush to a rail or wall, patrons are unaware of the door. Thus, storage panels, security device, and other items can be safely stowed away. Additionally, the door 119 can be equipped with a lock so that, even if a person is aware of the existence of the door 119, only authorized personnel are able to gain access through door 119. In FIG. 2, another arrangement of the present invention is seen. The RMU 200 shown in FIG. 2 is a unit utilizing the same modular components as those in FIGS. 1A through 1H. However, the configuration of the columns 130 and the canopy 120 are different. The columns 130 have a curvilinear shape, rather than a rectangular shape such as those in FIGS. 1A-1H. The signage 150 attached to the canopy 120 is slightly different from that shown in FIGS. 1A-1H. Additionally, lights 140 are vertically mounted to the top of the canopy 120 so as to provide decorative lighting.

Specifically, the modularity of the present invention yields the benefit of allowing a large number of possible configurations for differing circumstances. For example, in the arrangement depicted in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the RMU 300, while very similar to the arrangements shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, employs a plurality of support pins 324 instead of utilizing a support boom to provide horizontal and vertical support for the canopy 120. Each of the plurality of support pins 324 protrudes from column 130 at different angles relative to one another so as to intersect the plane of the canopy 120 at different positions. Thus, each support pin 324 provides a different amount of support in a given direction. Additionally, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, low-profile track lighting 340 is hung below the level of the canopy 120. It should be appreciated that other lighting systems (not shown) could be hung from or permanently affixed to the canopy 120, the grid 126, or any combination thereof.

In another arrangement of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the RMU 400, while very similar to the arrangements shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, has an additional column support 135 that projects vertically from the center of the puck unit 250. This provides additional support to the canopy 120, which is also of a different size and shape in the arrangement shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, column support 135 can be used to hang display items or shelves (not shown) at various heights where additional retail items can be displayed. Additionally, different signage 150 is used in the arrangement of the present invention shown in FIG. 4. Typically, the signage 150 is attached at or near the top of the support column 135; however, the signage can be attached at any point along the support column 135.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 illustrates an RMU 500 that utilizes different modular components than those shown in FIGS. 1-4. The RMU 500 shown in FIG. 5 utilizes a central display unit 110, support columns 130 and a canopy 120. However, as can be seen, the central display unit 110 is comprised of various building blocks 118′, 118″ of different sizes to create a tiered effect to the central display unit 110. Additionally, the cash counter 220 is secured to the opposite end of the central display unit 110 in RMU 500. Additionally, a half-circle shaped unit 260 is secured flush to the opposite end of the central display unit 110 from the cash counter 220. This half-circle unit 260 is also configured with multiple horizontal surfaces 262 and upper and lower storage sections of different sizes to create a tiered effect such as the one of the central display unit 110. Additionally, a rectangular display unit 270 of a single height can be secured to one side of the cash counter 220 to continue the tiered appearance around the entire RMU. This rectangular display unit 270 is similar to the arcuate display unit 240 shown in FIGS. 1-4, but has a different shape. Transparent shelving units 210 are hung from both tiers of the central display unit and half-circle unit 260 at the same heights to create additional upper and lower display spaces. Shelving units 210 are continued on the side of the cash counter 220 and rectangular display unit 270, at the same heights as the upper and lower shelves on the central display unit 110, to provide additional display space and present a unified appearance to the RMU 500.

Also, in this embodiment, four support columns 130 are employed to support the canopy 120, which is of a different size and shape than the canopy 120 shown in previous figures. The columns 130 protrude substantially vertical from the front and rear corners of the central display unit 110. Shelves 210 can, then, be advantageously coupled to the columns 130 in order to provide additional area for the display of retail items. Additionally, the RMU 500 shown in FIG. 5 employs both upward projecting lighting 140 and track lighting 340.

FIG. 6 illustrates a RMU of the present invention with another configuration. The RMU 600 comprises a tiered central display unit 110, a cash counter 220 oriented to face outward rather than toward the central display unit 110, a rectangular display unit 270 attached to the cash counter 220, and a custom shaped multi-level display unit 280 attached to the opposite end of the central display unit 110. Shelving units 210 are attached to the front of the central display unit for additional area to display retail items. Also, in this embodiment, two support columns 130 are employed to support the canopy 120. The columns 130 protrude substantially vertically from the central display unit 110 and the auxiliary display unit 280.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 depicts a RMU 700 similar to that shown in FIG. 1; however, in addition to the puck unit 250, the cash counter 220 and the central display unit 110 are also curvilinear in shape.

In other embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to configure any of the individual units to have curves to define edges. However, for the purposes of illustration, only one embodiment of an RMU employing curved edges is shown.

Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention. 

1. An apparatus for display retail items having a plurality of modular components, comprising: a central display unit adapted to be interconnected to at least one modular component; a canopy; and at least one support column that is secured to the canopy and the central display unit.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one modular component secured to the central display unit.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of modular components are selected from a group comprising a cash counter, a display wall, a shelving unit, a puck unit, an arcuate display unit, a half-circle display unit, a rectangular display unit, or a custom-shaped display unit.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 configured so as to be placed against a wall or other flat surface.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the central display unit has a substantially rectangular shape.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the central display unit has a substantially curvilinear shape.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the system further comprises at least one access door on at least one of the central display unit or at least one modular component.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the system further comprises at least one drawer on at least one of the central display unit or at least one modular component.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the canopy further comprises a grid.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further comprises track lighting that is coupled to the grid.
 11. A modular apparatus for displaying retail items, comprising a plurality of interconnected modular units, wherein at least one unit of the plurality of modular units employs at least one column to support a canopy.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one modular unit further comprises: a signpost protruding therefrom; and signage that is coupled to at least a portion of the signpost.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the signpost provides support to the canopy.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one modular unit is a central unit having at least one substantially vertical column protruding therefrom to support the canopy.
 15. An apparatus comprising a central unit for displaying retail items adapted to have alternate modular units coupled thereto.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least one canopy is coupled to the central unit.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one column protrudes from the central unit to support the canopy.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the alternate modular units are selected from a group comprising a cash counter, a display wall, a shelving unit, a puck unit, an arcuate display unit, a half-circle display unit, a rectangular display unit, or a custom-shaped display unit. 